Ancient Greek units of measurement
Length

Unit
Greek name
Equal to
Modern equivalent
Description
daktylos
δάκτυλος
-
19.3 mm (0.76 in)
finger
kondylos
κόνδυλος
2 daktyloi
38.5 mm (1.52 in)
-
palaistē or dōron
παλαιστή, δῶρον
4 daktyloi
77.1 mm (3.04 in)
palm
dichas or hēmipodion
διχάς, ἡμιπόδιον
8 daktyloi
154.1 mm (6.07 in)
half foot
lichas
λιχάς
10 daktyloi
192.6 mm (7.58 in)
-
orthodōron
ὀρθόδωρον
11 daktyloi
211.9 mm (8.34 in)
-
spithamē
σπιθαμή
12 daktyloi
231.2 mm (9.10 in)
span of all fingers
pous
πούς
16 daktyloi
308.2 mm (12.13 in)
foot
pygmē
πυγμή
18 daktyloi
346.8 mm (13.65 in)
forearm
pygōn
πυγών
20 daktyloi
385.3 mm (15.17 in)
-
pēchys
πῆχυς
24 daktyloi
462.3 mm (18.20 in)
cubit
Except where noted, based on Smith (1851). Metric equivalents are approximate.
Except where noted, based on Smith (1851). Metric equivalents are approximate.
Except where noted, based on Smith (1851). Metric equivalents are approximate.
Except where noted, based on Smith (1851). Metric equivalents are approximate.
Except where noted, based on Smith (1851). Metric equivalents are approximate.

Question: What were the Greek names for lengths corresponding to a foot and a finger, and how are they written out in English?
Answer: Some Greek measures of length were named after parts of the body, such as the δάκτυλος (daktylos) or finger, and the πούς (pous) or foot.